How did you come up with this idea?

JD: We came up with Dr Glitter in our mid-twenties. We loved decorating our food and drinks with gold sugar and gold pepper. We also realised that it’s difficult to get all of the nutrients our bodies need from food alone. Health supplements were booming, but I didn’t want to take pills unless I was sick, and our friends in Asia were taking handfuls of tablets and capsules per day but didn’t know how to eat a balanced diet of whole foods.

So we created Dr Glitter to showcase healthy eating, and allow people to sprinkle added nutrients onto their meals.

Can you tell us a bit about what your product is and why people are buying it?

JD: Dr Glitter encapsulates active ingredients in a prebiotic tree sap to form crystals that are brightly coloured, tasteless and designed to be sprinkled on meals. We have launched with Red IRON+ Crystals and Orange PROBIOTICS+ Crystals that are made from natural ingredients, and are suitable for adults and children.

Our best seller is iron because unlike many iron tablets, our product doesn’t cause stomach cramps or constipation. Unlike iron infusions we don’t just temporarily increase your iron levels, we address the underlying issue and make getting enough iron in your diet easy and cost effective.

This is a first-to-market product. What was the process of developing it/testing it/finding a manufacturer?

JD: Dr Glitter’s research and development process has taken over five years. We are now patent-pending for the use cases, manufacturing processes and compositions of nutrient crystals, and call our innovations ActivCrystal technology.

Augusta and I worked with manufacturers to build custom machinery and conducted two years of manufacturing trials before arriving at our final manufacturing process and formulations. We have also tested variations of our final product in a range of use cases, and conducted extensive consumer surveys.

Throughout this process, my co-founder Augusta has led our incredibly patient and passionate team of scientists, engineers and manufacturers.

How does the uniqueness of the product help/challenge you in marketing it? How do you educate your customers?

JD: The uniqueness of our product, name, packaging, photos and videos grab attention. This has meant that retailers globally have quickly picked up Dr Glitter, giving us credibility and a platform for market education.

Dr Glitter’s first challenge is to show customers “how to use our product”. Nutrient crystals are best sprinkled on meals, juices or smoothies, as opposed to plain water like sweetened powders.

We have found that very clear instructions on our packaging and website, as well as videos on social media, quickly provide customers with the education they need.

What advice can you impart to someone who might have a unique idea in mind for a business?

JD: Build your international network and acumen early. A unique idea often requires global markets and resources to build and scale.

Be open, but also very disagreeable. Many people will think you’re crazy until you prove them wrong.

Remember that opinions are cheap, be mindful of what might be informing people’s opinions and whether they understand your target customer.

Seek non-dilutive funding in the development phase. This allows you to focus on quality and depth of innovation, as opposed to quickly returning investors’ money.

Joining a crowdfunding platform like LIFT Women will boost your international network, develop resilience, and provide access to grant and crowd funding.

The post Dr Glitter on five years of R&D and how to get funding as a women-led start-up appeared first on Inside Small Business.

Fast forward to 2024, and Julie runs her own small drinks business alongside her son Michael. Their brand, Famous, is redefining sugary childhood classics into something a whole lot healthier. 

“We set out to change the world a little for the better by creating “better for you” products in the worst sugar offending product categories,” Julie explains.

With WHO blaming sugary drinks as one of the leading contributors to global type 2 diabetes and obesity epidemics, Famous started their journey by flipping the classic soda on its head. The goal? To make soda both sugar and guilt-free.

Developing a sugar-free soda

Removing the unwholesome elements from soda necessitated a longer R&D process, as Julie Pillon describes.

“We put together a crack team of food techs and threw in a bio chemist, because it’s a science: months and months of R&D taste testing, perfecting, lab testing until we cracked the perfect formula,” Julie describes.

Getting the flavour right was paramount, but difficult – hence the food scientist. One big issue Famous ran into at the start was maintaining flavour through the heat pasteurisation process.

“We heat pasteurised our sodas at the start – that was all that was on offer in Australia,” Julie explains. “Although they still tasted good, we found the intense heat tended to dull down the natural ingredients.”

The big breakthrough came when Julie and Michael decided to try cold pasteurising their sodas. This meant the Famous sodas would last a while on shelves but not lose as much flavour in the production process. 

After a long, arduous R&D process, the sugarless sodas were rolled out onto the market – and they were a success. After launching the drinks on the shelves of Australia’s biggest supermarkets, Julie and Michael decided to expand their range with a new product.

Making a “mum-approved” milkshake

The next childhood classic that Famous made over was the humble milkshake, which Julie and Michael decided to transform into a protein shake for kids.

The R&D process for the shakes was “very different”, Julie says, as they couldn’t rely on cold-pasteurisation this time.

“The shakes are dairy based, and UHT pasteurised, which of course is a heat process,” she says. “[It took] a lot of learning and research getting the formula for one-to-eleven-year-olds, and the process, perfect.”

It took four trials to land on the best formula, but the protein shakes made a triumphant debut last month in Woolworths, Costo, and independent retailers.

When it comes to getting stocked, Julie recommends making a good name and a good product before tackling the giants.

“Don’t go out until you get it right, also we humans like things that taste good – so deliver on flavour,” she says.

On the topic of making a name: Organic growth is key to Famous’ strategy. The brand has a small marketing budget and relies on a solid offering and meeting customers where they’re at.

“If you have a good product, the organic growth begins from there,” Julie says. “We made a name for ourselves in all the key independent channels first. Once we had locked in our supply chain, logistics etc for growth we hired a supermarket consultant, and the rest is history.”

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So says a recent survey by Angel Investment Network, the world’s largest online angel investment platform.

Of the start-ups polled, 48 per cent said they were “very optimistic”, while 31 reported being “quite optimistic”.

Securing investment a key challenge

Of the start-ups surveyed, 71 per cent said securing investment was a challenge. Many seemed to be lacking knowledge about how to engage investors; only 55 per cent said they had a “good understanding” of how to deal with investors and structure a deal. Almost a quarter (24 per cent) reported a “quite weak” understanding of what these processes should look like.

Another problem for start-ups is an apparent mismatch between expectations and reality, when it comes to funding. Half of start-ups said it took longer than they thought to get funding. Almost the same proportion (41 per cent) said that their funds ran out sooner than they had expected.

“Our survey…reveals a gap between expectations and the reality of fundraising,” said Mike Lebus, co-founder of Angel Investment Network.

Of those who did successfully fundraise, 30 per cent said that their profitability was what led investors to back them. Other factors included scalability of their business (26 per cent), their team (14 per cent) and revenues (eight per cent).

Hiring, R&D, and mental health all challenges

Other challenges faced by start-ups included hiring, R&D processes, and mental health.

A total of 35 per cent of start-up founders reported having difficulties hiring the right talent, while 31 per cent struggle with product innovation and development. 

Over half (54 per cent) said that their mental health has been impacted by running a start-up. Just under a quarter (24 per cent) find work-life balance a challenge.

What can the government do to help?

It’s a question ISB asked small businesses just last week – and many of the answers we received were echoed by Angel Investment Network’s survey respondents.

Over three-quarters (78 per cent) of start-ups surveyed believed access to grant funding would help them. Increasing tax relief for start-up investors was mentioned by 55 per cent. Meanwhile, 35 per cent believed R&D tax refunds should be more generous.

With the next federal election on the horizon, start-ups are hoping that whoever is elected will keep them smiling next year.

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Funded by the Queensland Government, the RUIC program seeks to strengthen collaboration between SMEs and regional universities. These include James Cook University, Central Queensland University, University of Southern Queensland, and University of the Sunshine Coast.

Offerings

Eligible SMEs can access free research and development (R&D) training, facilitation services, up to $50,000 in dollar-matched funding for projects, and regional networking events.  

“With a dispersed population and diverse climates, Queensland is a fantastic base for innovation,” said Dr George Feast, Deputy Director of CSIRO’s SME Connect team. “The RUIC program is designed to boost potential by providing SMEs with the skills and resources to turn their ideas into impactful solutions at all stages of their innovation journey.”  

Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said that the program would help SMEs commercialise research by collaborating with universities, leveraging diverse skill sets and fostering innovative thinking. 

Dr Anna Daniel, RUIC Program Facilitator, urged SMEs to take advantage of the program offerings, saying, “This is an excellent opportunity for businesses in the early stages of the R&D process to refine their research question with guidance from our program facilitators. For those more advanced with their ideas, there is also the opportunity to access up to $50,000 in dollar-matched funding to support collaborative projects with one of our world-class regional university partners.” 

Free R&D training programs

RUIC will kick off with a free eight-week R&D training program for SMEs working on manufacturing solutions in Queensland, particularly in the Manufactured materials and processes, Energy and batteries, Digital manufacturing and mechatronics, Food and beverage manufacturing, Industrial manufacturing, Biomedical manufacturing, and Robotics subsectors.

Applications are open for SMEs interested in taking part in this program and other initiatives under the RUIC.

For those outside of Queensland, the CSIRO also operates a yearly Innovate to Grow program to help SMEs embarking on early-stage R&D.

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CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence program connects businesses working on solutions in digital technologies and AI with knowledge, resources, and mentors to learn how to advance their projects or ideas, a timely program that SMEs can take advantage of, according to Dr Liming Zhu, CSIRO’s Data61 Research Director for Software and Computational Systems.

“Digital technologies and AI continue to reshape industries and drive economic growth,” Dr Zhu said. “The rise of generative AI and large language models like ChatGPT are rapidly transforming the digital and cyber innovation landscape. Whether they’re creating knowledge-intensive products or seeking to add innovative features to interact with customers, companies can tap into new growth opportunities thanks to the increasing power of generative AI.”  

Since its launch in 2020, Innovate to Grow has helped more than 600 early-stage R&D companies access the knowledge and tools required to progress their ideas.  

Michelle Armistead, CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow Program Coordinator, encouraged Australian SMEs to apply, as successful applicants are given access to expert facilitators and experienced researchers.  

“Australian SMEs are crucial to the growth and resilience of our economy, particularly in emerging industries like digital tech and artificial intelligence,” Armistead said. “Past participants have found immense value in working through the self-paced deliverables and connecting with our expert advisors, helping them to make informed decisions about advancing their R&D plans.”  

Innovate to Grow: Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence is open to SMEs working in AI subsectors such as computer vision, machine learning, ChatGPT/large language models, natural language processing, digital manufacturing, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and robotics and autonomous systems, among others.

Applications are open until 21 July 2024.  

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Launched in 2020, Innovate to Grow is a self-paced, 10-week, online program designed to help SMEs embarking on early-stage R&D or those venturing into new solutions within advanced manufacturing. in transforming their ideas into R&D opportunities. To date, it has helped over 500 SMEs with the knowledge and tools required to progress their research. 

The launch comes on the back of the CSIRO announcing a $20 million investment to provide SMEs with greater access to vital research and development (R&D) opportunities to accelerate their growth.  The funding will support an additional 600 SMEs through its Innovate to Grow program, kicking off with its Advanced Manufacturing cohort. 

CSIRO’s Director of Manufacturing, Marcus Zipper, explained how CSIRO’s unique position in the research ecosystem drives innovation to advance Australian manufacturing.  

“Advanced manufacturing is a vitally important sector, employing over 800,000 people across Australia,” Zipper said.  “It’s an exciting area of research and development for CSIRO, and we work collaboratively to connect SMEs with new technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, health, safety and environmental outcomes while driving prosperity across the manufacturing sector.

“We translate research into products and processes that businesses want to adopt because what we’ve created is economically viable, more efficient and effective, and sustainable,” Zipper added.

Successful program participants will gain access to expert facilitators and experienced researchers who will guide participants on how to formulate a research question, assess its impact, and seek out strategic partnerships. Additionally, they will acquire skills in developing a compelling R&D business case and funding proposal.

Connop Metal Founder, Murray Connop, a 2022 Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing program participant, has made headlines for developing a world-first method of analysing the chemical compositions of PVC to make it recyclable – right here in Australia. Connop shared that CSIRO’s program provided invaluable connections to industry experts.

“Thanks to the Innovate to Grow program, I gained the vital contacts and support needed to determine the feasibility of my project,” Connop said. “I wholeheartedly recommend this program to fellow start-ups and small businesses in advanced manufacturing. The invaluable connection to industry experts provided by this program has played a significant role in the success of my project.”

The Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing program is open to SMEs working in robotics, additive manufacturing, advanced materials and processes, mechatronics design and engineering, energy storage and battery technology, sensing and detecting technologies, natural products manufacturing and biomedical manufacturing.

Applications for this year’s program are open until 12 May 2024.

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The 10-week Innovate to Grow program is designed to help SMEs embarking on early-stage R&D or those venturing into new ideas within the critical minerals sector acquire valuable business insights and strategic plans to leverage R&D to meet their business needs.

Lucy O’Connor, Manager of the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub, which is sponsoring this initiative, said SMEs play an integral role in driving innovation and enriching the diversity and resilience of critical minerals supply chains. 

“Scaling up and commercialising critical minerals projects requires strategic collaboration to address technical challenges and drive sustainable growth and innovation in this sector,” O’Connor said.  “This program is designed to help SMEs navigate the complex landscape of R&D within the critical minerals sector and build new collaborative projects with the support of technical experts.” 

Successful participants will be given access to expert facilitators and experienced researchers, who will help them examine their technical or business challenges, explore R&D opportunities, and develop actionable R&D business and funding plans.

“Participants will work through the self-paced materials and engage with researchers and industry experts, to advance their project idea and discuss collaboration opportunities with R&D leaders at CSIRO, other science agencies and universities,” O’Connor said. “Their professional networks will also receive a boost as they will connect with peers in their cohort, sector-specific mentors, and with CSIRO, ANSTO and Geoscience Australia, which combined have the largest mineral resources R&D capability in the world.”

API Management, which manages the Australian Premium Iron Joint Venture, went through the Innovate to Grow program in 2021, is among the program’s supporters as it provided them the means to expand their knowledge of engaging with research organisations, prepare them for partnerships, and understand available funding options.

“The industry has big challenges, with lots of elements that need to come together, and CSIRO is playing a key part in our research and development goals,” Principal Scientist at API Management, Dr Alan Ooi, said. “We would wholeheartedly recommend the Innovate to Grow program to other companies in the industry, especially to help them gain direction for their business opportunities.”

The Innovate to Grow program is a collaboration between CSIRO, Geoscience Australia and ANSTO, with applications set to close on 14 April 2024.

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CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program will provide the chosen SMEs with links to expert knowledge, resources, and mentors, which will overall help validate and develop their R&D ideas into potential commercial outcomes. Upon completion, eligible participants can apply to work with CSIRO’s expert researchers and access dollar-matched R&D funding through the Kickstart program.

Dr Marthie Grobler, Principal Research Scientist in human-centred cyber security at CSIRO’s Data61 strongly urged eligible businesses to consider applying to stay at the forefront of research impact in these critical sectors.

“SMEs are the lifeblood of Australia, and many have innovative business ideas and solutions that could help mitigate cyber security threats and deliver a positive impact to other Australian businesses and the economy,” Grobler said. “These businesses tend to face a myriad of challenges in bringing their ideas to life, namely investment of money, time and resources. This is where a program like Innovate to Grow, which is free to access, is so valuable for Australian businesses.”

The Innovate to Grow program has seen growing interest and success with each cohort that has opened in the past two years. CSIRO’s SME Connect Program Advisor Liz Crompton said this next iteration is no exception.

“The expansion of the cybersecurity program to include digital technology means that more SMEs across the sector will have the opportunity to take advantage of this free program,” Crompton said. “The program is giving SMEs the opportunity to develop their ideas into a real-world R&D project, leading to potential commercial outputs, revenue and/or employment growth.”

Australian companies working on innovative ideas incorporating cybersecurity or digital technology are invited to apply before 17 September. The program will commence on 12 October.

CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Cyber Security and Digital Technology program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources through the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund.

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Under the program, eligible SMEs will be able to gain knowledge and resources, as well as receive mentorship on how to further develop their projects or ideas. Once they complete the program, the participants may be able to access continued support through CSIRO, being connected to national research expertise and/or dollar-matched R&D funding to further develop their projects.

CSIRO’s Data61 Research Director for Software and Computational Systems Dr Liming Zhu said an Innovate to Grow program focused on cyber security and digital technology could not be more timely.

“The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models like ChatGPT are rapidly transforming the digital and cyber innovation landscape.,” Dr Zhu said. “Whether they’re creating knowledge-intensive products or seeking to add innovative features to interact with customers, companies can tap into new growth opportunities thanks to the increasing power of generative AI.”

However, Zhu also warned that the rapid development and escalation of these applications comes with increased cyber risks and risks in digital trust, and that preparation is the key to mitigating these risks.

“This is a new territory, which is still evolving,” he said. “Our aim with programs like this is to assist companies who are building solutions to these problems.”

CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow Program Coordinator, Michelle Armistead, urged SMEs to consider taking the opportunity to connect with like-minded mentors and companies to learn and grow.

“We know the critical importance Australia’s SMEs have in the growth and resilience of our economy, and likewise the large role they will play in growing these emerging industries of cyber and digital tech,” Armistead said. “One of the most valuable pieces of feedback we’ve had from participants in our previous cohorts is the deep value they have gained in working through the self-paced deliverables while connecting with our expert advisors.”

The program commences on 8 June and will accept 20-25 SME participants. SMEs that wish to join the program may submit xpressions of interest to participate until 15 May. The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources through the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund.

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Research and Development (R&D) grants provide support for start-ups and companies across a range of sectors who are working on new or improved products, services, processes, materials, devices and more. These grants are offered by many different countries across the globe.

Who can qualify for R&D?

R&D grants are not just for scientists in white lab coats. Organisations across all industries may be eligible. This can include anyone from dentists and aerospace technicians to pharmacists and software developers. R&D can be an absolute game-changer for a start-up or existing company in any industry.

What can I claim for?

Companies can claim for activities such as employee and contractor costs, computer and IT costs, vehicle expenses, equipment hire and internet hosting. If an R&D claim is done correctly organisations can usually recover anything from $50,000-$1,000,000.

The claim doesn’t need to be focused on the successful outcome of the project. Detailing the path and the lessons learned is perhaps even more important than highlighting the success. The assessor wants to see the journey of your project, not just the outcome. They want to see the so-called failures that you learnt from, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.

How can I use R&D on an international scale?

It’s important to consider where the parent company is located. In Australia, R&D is set at a return of 43c to the dollar, with a $20 million cap for SMEs. However, the rate and cap vary across countries with the USA and New Zealand having no limit on how much can be claimed.

Some countries allow for a proportion of R&D grant money to be spent offshore, while some do not. There could be a limit on your R&D spend abroad or that you could have employed someone locally and saved money.

How can I make sure my company will be eligible?

Accurate and up-to-date recordkeeping is the best thing you can do to make sure your organisation is eligible for R&D incentives.

Your recordkeeping will have two parts. The first part is the recordkeeping related to your project management, which includes the roadmap you followed, any pivots to your strategy, meeting minutes, milestones you reached and any plans you made that didn’t eventuate. The other half is your financials relating to costs, profits and staff or contractor hours.

The more information you have at hand, the easier it is to fill out an application, and the more you can claim for.

Why use a specialist firm instead of my accountant?

If you think you may be claiming it through your accountant or internal team already proceed with caution. It’s really better to use a specialist. Accountants or your internal team will often not know what the ATO or relevant assessor in your country will be looking for. A specialist firm has the experience and knowledge to write your applications effectively, and knows in detail what you can and can’t claim for. If you try to DIY you might end up missing out.

Is there anything else I should know?

When claiming R&D it’s important to keep in mind that Governments actually want to hand out these grants. R&D will help your organisation fast track its product or service, which means it will be available on the market sooner or be of a higher quality. This allows buyers to access your product sooner or be happier with it, which means more money is spent and the economy gets a boost.

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